I Think Too Much

by Rory Gardiner

Do you find yourself over analytical? Your brain needs to assess and evaluate every single thing life has to offer? Maybe you have trouble sleeping or generally can’t slow down enough to truly appreciate the present.

I’m the type that can’t get enough information. I like making the “right decision” based on as much research as I can absorb. It has its “ups and downs”. Sometimes I prefer burying myself in a nonfiction book rather that conversing with other human beings. I am not an introvert, but some days I prefer learning new things rather than a 10 minute debate about who should get kicked off “The Bachelor”.

The hard part is that it’s difficult to let go and enjoy things that I am passionate about. I can’t just enjoy, I need to analyse. I’ve been incorporating comedy into my live music shows for years, and recently realized that I no longer laugh when I go out to see other comedians at comedy clubs. I am too busy analyzing their jokes and mannerisms from a learning perspective. I can’t sit there and just laugh like a normal human being.

Three Frustrating Facts:

1) Using your analytical mind can often get in the way of creativity and spontaneity.

2) Thinking with your analytical mind takes up a lot of energy. Second-guessing yourself a lot, instead of using gut instinct. You may get mentally fatigued earlier in the day compared to others.

3) Prolonged analysis can lead to analysis paralysis. Over thinking a decision so long that action is never taken.

The good news:

I don’t plan on slowing down any time soon.  The fast moving brain makes me who I am, and I like being on my toes. I found the best method for avoiding burn out is writing things down, making lists and scheduling. Having it logged somewhere for later processing allows your mind to relax in the present.

Your mind does most of its work unconsciously. You can only process one thing at a time through your conscious awareness. The more information you have stuck in your head, the less room you’ll have for new information, or an increased level of stress.

My Humble Solution:

An idea pops into my head that require a little more time dedication. This always happens while I’m eating dinner, playing with the kids or focusing on something else. I do the following:

1) I write a quick note in the reminders section of my phone. By the end of the day, I may have a dozen major/minor things on this list to process.

2) When you get a minute, I prioritize the list. If it’s quick, I will do it immediately. If it requires more time, I will move it to the calendar part of my phone, so that the reminder will pop up on the day I schedule it for. Urgent items may be scheduled for the following day. Non urgent ideas I want to research, may wait until the weekend or the following week.

I use this simple method, and as a result, I have yet to go out of my mind from information overload. However, tomorrow’s another day. Good luck!

Rory Gardiner

Singer/Songwriter/Author/Entrepreneur/Comedian

You’ve heard Rory’s music on television shows and commercials airing daily throughout North America. Two country albums out of Nashville, as well as children’s album(Parent’s Choice Award & International Song writing Competition). Available on iTunes.

Author of “Break Free: The Road Map for Building a Healthy Lifestyle & Breaking Bad Habits.” Using humor, parable and motivation, Rory outlines how the right small changes in a busy lifestyle can have a dramatic effect on how you look and feel.

They say if you do what you love, you never have to work a day in your life. Click HERE for free music, and Rock star lifestyle design tips.